In a statement released by his spokesperson, António Guterres said he condemned the attack “in the strongest terms,” stressing that violence against civilians and religious sites can never be justified.
“The Secretary‑General reiterates that attacks against civilians and places of worship are unacceptable,” the statement said, adding that those responsible “must be identified and brought to justice.”
Guterres extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wished a swift recovery to those injured. He reaffirmed the UN’s solidarity with Pakistan “in its efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism.”
According to media reports, at least 31 people were killed and more than 160 injured when a suicide bomber detonated explosives inside a Shia mosque in the Tarlai area of Islamabad.
Police said the attacker opened fire at the entrance before detonating the device after being confronted by security guards.
Authorities have declared a state of emergency in the capital, while hospitals issued urgent appeals for blood donations. The bombing is the deadliest attack in Islamabad in more than ten years.
The UN Resident Coordinator in Pakistan, Mo Yahya, said he was “deeply shocked and saddened by the horrifying attack at an Imambargah in Islamabad, where people were gathered for Friday prayers.”
“I extend my deepest sympathies to the victims and their families,” he said, urging unity in the face of “such senseless violence.”
–UN/ChannelAfrica–
